The Cleard Podcast

Alex and Trent Sevenson join us as they share their 40-hour journey from Spanish Fork to the East Coast in their Cessna 182. From navigating the Washington SFRA and visiting Kitty Hawk, to landing at Put-In-Bay, this episode covers it all. Tune in for a great story of adventure, brotherhood, and aviation outside your local traffic pattern

In this episode of Cleard, Drew sits down with Captain Fred Celest and Keith Olive, SEAT Base Manager in Tooele, to talk about the world of aerial firefighting. From the unique challenges of flying Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) to what it takes to coordinate ground and air crews on active wildfires, Fred and Keith share first-hand insight into the operations that keep communities safe. Whether you’re an aviator, a firefighter, or just curious about what happens behind the smoke, this episode gives you a rare inside look at the BLM’s SEAT program and the people who make it run.

Smoke in the cockpit, one-way canyon strips, and launching elite firefighters into burning wilderness — welcome to the world of a smokejumper pilot. In this episode of the Cleard Podcast, Drew sits down with Jordan Silver, a Forest Service pilot based in McCall, Idaho. Jordan shares what life is really like flying Twin Otters and a 206 for the nation’s smokejumpers — from long days at base, to rapid-fire launches into wildfire zones, to the camaraderie and culture of the fire aviation community. Whether you’re a pilot dreaming of fire operations, or just curious about what it takes to fly into the flames, this episode takes you into the TFR and right to the front lines of aviation.

What happens when you chase the dream of becoming an airline pilot as a full-grown adult — and then the industry hits pause? In this episode, we sit down with Jed Malmberg, a CFI-turned-airline-hopeful, and his wife Carrie, to talk about the real-life turbulence of flight school in your 40s. From getting fired to airline hiring freezes, financial strain to emotional resilience, we explore the highs, lows, and everything in between — from both sides of the cockpit.

In this roundtable episode of the Cleard Podcast, we bring together a stacked panel of aviation voices: corporate pilot Brad Fuller, FLT Academy CEO Jason Clark, Alina Pringle of West Desert Airpark, Matt Kalm from West Desert Aviators, and GA/backcountry pilot Jordan Blakely.

We dive into the growing tension in airport patterns caused by high-volume flight school traffic — what’s working, what’s not, and real solutions from those in the air every day. We also tackle the hot topic of landing fees, including the recent ones at Spanish Fork and the changes at West Desert.

This episode is all about collaboration, conversation, and keeping the skies safe and fair for everyone.

This week on Cleard, I'm joined by Bret Kobe, the no-nonsense, all-heart owner of Scud Air Solutions. If you've spent any time around Utah aviation, you've probably run into Bret. Fresh off flying a Cessna 180 nicknamed "Beastwagon" to Oshkosh and back, Bret shares stories from the trip, why he still loves making that long haul, and what keeps him passionate about general aviation after all these years. We also talk about lessons learned, the flying war stories about 1 of his 7 engine failures he's run into, and his training philosophy. If you like your aviation talk unfiltered and full of real-world wisdom, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Cleard Podcast, we sit down with Paul Merrill — a Utah UH-60 Blackhawk pilot with deployments in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Paul shares firsthand stories from the battlefield, and how his military aviation experience shaped his journey into the civilian world. We dive into his transition into entrepreneurship with On The Ball Coffee and Glidepath Aviation, and wrap up with a deep dive into the latest Utah aviation news, including FAA’s proposed MOSAIC rule and what it could mean for local pilots.

Whether you’re into rotorcraft, small business, or staying current on industry updates, this episode’s got something for you.

In this special episode of Cleard, we sit down with Senator Edwin "Jake" Garn — a decorated pilot, former U.S. Senator, and the first sitting member of Congress to fly in space. Widely regarded as the godfather of Utah aviation, Garn shares stories from his remarkable life, including his early days as a Navy pilot, his time flying reconnaissance missions with the Utah Air National Guard, and his historic flight aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1985.

Joined by his son Jeff Garn, this intimate conversation offers a rare glimpse into the legacy of a man whose contributions to aviation, public service, and space exploration left an indelible mark on Utah and the nation. With humor, humility, and clarity, Garn reflects on the values that shaped his journey — from flying F-4 Phantoms over the Pacific to championing aerospace policy in Washington.

Welcome to the very first episode of Cleard — a podcast dedicated to aviation in Utah. In this kickoff episode, host Drew Siegel shares his personal aviation story, the meaning behind the name Cleard, and the mission of the show. Whether you’re a student pilot, career aviator, or just someone who loves airplanes, this podcast is for you. Learn what to expect in future episodes, how to get involved, and why Utah’s aviation community deserves a spotlight. Let’s get this thing off the ground — welcome aboard.